NHS Worker Glassed Man After Playful Pub Incident, Court Hears
A Scottish NHS worker has been sentenced after glassing a man in the face during what began as a light-hearted interaction at a Tyneside pub, leaving the victim with significant injuries requiring medical treatment.
Violent Outburst During Hen Do Celebration
Donna Stalker, a 34-year-old NHS worker from Fife, was captured on CCTV as she smashed a pint glass into a man's face after he playfully tapped her with an inflatable golf club. The incident occurred at the Head of Steam pub in Tynemouth on Saturday July 13, 2024, when Stalker was part of a group celebrating a hen do.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that the victim had been out with friends when they were approached by the group of women. Their conversation involved some "light-hearted interaction" involving inflatable items, with CCTV showing the victim repeatedly tapping Stalker gently on the back and head with an inflatable golf club.
Significant Injuries and Lasting Impact
Prosecutor Mairi Clancy told the court: "Without warning, the defendant turned and struck the victim in the face with a glass, causing it to shatter on impact." The man suffered significant injuries including:
- A deep laceration to his chin requiring ten stitches
- Wounds to his nose which had to be glued
- Lip injuries requiring a referral to the plastic surgery department
In a victim impact statement, the man described how the attack had affected both his physical and mental health. "I'm an extremely active, sporty person and take part in boxing and football but I'm no longer able to do that until my injuries have healed, which could take six months," he said.
The victim added that he had to withdraw from a boxing fight for which more than 30 people had bought tickets, stating: "Sport is my livelihood and not being able to take part has been extremely upsetting." He also expressed concerns about his appearance and ongoing anxiety in social situations.
Defendant's Response and Court Sentencing
Stalker left the pub after the attack but later came forward to police after becoming aware of an appeal on social media. She told officers she only intended to pour a drink on the man, though prosecutors did not accept this explanation.
Brian Hegarty, mitigating, said Stalker only became aware of the extent of the injuries after handing herself in to police. "Since then, these proceedings have weighed heavily upon her," he told the court. "She found it difficult to come to terms with the fact she caused the level of injury she had. Her employment revolves around helping others, not harming others."
The court heard that Stalker, who has shared care for her three children, has had some mental health issues and works part-time in the NHS. She pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and received:
- A 10-month suspended sentence for 18 months
- 150 hours of unpaid work
- An order to pay the victim £1,000 compensation
Mr Hegarty added that Stalker has limited recollection of what happened but accepts she lashed out in temper and now feels "a deep sense of shame" about her actions.
